Act in October to defeat the Winter moth (Operophtera brumata). These moths mate in autumn and then the wingless females climb up tree trunks to lay their eggs. In early spring the little green inch-worm like larvae eat flower and leaf buds from the inside out. The many host plants include maples, oaks, crabapples, apple, blueberry, and some spruces such as Sitka spruce. To detect female moths place a band of heavy paper covered with Tanglefoot (a sticky goo available at nurseries) around susceptible tree trunks. If females are found it may be a good idea to spray the tree (trunk and branches) with dormant oil to smoother the eggs for reliable control. If the little caterpillars start \”ballooning\” out of trees in high numbers spraying with Bt (caterpillar killer) will provide control. For more information go to this University of Massachusetts Extension publication